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Take the Blood Pressure Quiz

Do you know your risk factors for high blood pressure? You can’t do anything about some risk factors. But other risk factors can be changed. Learn about the risk factors for high blood pressure by taking this quiz.

1. At what age should you have your first screening for high blood pressure?

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The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that a healthy adult get a first blood pressure check at age 18. If your blood pressure is normal at that time, and you do not have diabetes or other risk factors, you should then get your blood pressure checked every 3 to 5 years after that. Once you reach age 40, you should be checked every year. You should also be checked more often if you are younger and at risk for high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may suggest a different screening schedule if you have other health conditions.

A. 16B. 18C. 30D. 50

2. The numbers in a blood pressure reading:

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Blood pressure readings measure the force of blood pushing against blood vessel (artery) walls as your heart pumps blood. They can change when you are dehydrated, nervous, or stressed. They can also change when you sleep, and when you wake up. They also change when you are active. Blood pressure goes up as you get older. It is also related to your body size. When blood pressure stays high over time, it can cause damage to different parts of the body. It can cause serious long-term problems.

A. Vary, depending on the time of day your blood pressure is checkedB. Get lower with high levels of stressC. Are the same for people of the same age and weightD. Stay the same throughout the day

3. What is the most common symptom of high blood pressure?

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Because it usually has no obvious symptoms, high blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer.

A. Racing heartbeatB. High body temperatureC. FatigueD. It has no symptoms that you notice

4. Which of these can increase your risk of high blood pressure?

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A direct cause isn't known in most cases, however.

A. ObesityB. A family history of high blood pressureC. SmokingD. All of the above

5. At what point is blood pressure considered "high"?

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You have high blood pressure when your blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg on several separate occasions. Blood pressure can be normal, elevated, or stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure:

Normal blood pressure is 120/80. This means a systolic reading of less than 120 and a diastolic reading of less than 80.

Elevated blood pressure is a systolic reading of 120 to 129 and a diastolic reading of less than 80.

Stage 1 high blood pressure is a systolic reading of 130 to 139 or a diastolic reading between 80 and 89.

Stage 2 high blood pressure is a systolic reading of 140 or higher or a diastolic reading of 90 or higher.

A. 120 over 80B. 130 over 80C. 140 over 90D. 210 over 120

6. High blood pressure is the main cause of which of these?

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Over time, high blood pressure damages blood vessels. This damage is called arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. These conditions increase your risk not only for stroke, but also heart attacks and kidney disease.

A. CancerB. StrokesC. DiabetesD. Congestive heart failure

7. Which of these contribute to high blood pressure?

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Excessive drinking increases heart rate. This puts pressure on vessel walls. Three to five drinks a day over a long period can cause high blood pressure.

A. Getting a lot of vitamin CB. Drinking a lot of alcoholC. Getting a lot of calciumD. All of the above

8. In which age group of men does the risk for high blood pressure go up?

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Aging directly relates to an increase in risk. Men tend to see their blood pressure go up in their 50s. Women's blood pressure tends to increase in their 60s.

A. 40 to 49B. 50 to 59C. 60 to 69D. 70 to 79

9. Why does reducing how much salt you eat help prevent high blood pressure?

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People who are very sensitive to salt have blood pressure that reacts a lot to salt. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone--no matter what age, ethnic background, or health conditions--consume no more than 2,400 mg of sodium a day. In some cases, your healthcare provider may tell you to cut your sodium intake even more.

A. It reduces fluid buildup in the bodyB. It allows vessels to relaxC. It raises levels of HDL ("good") cholesterolD. It helps keep your heartbeat steady

10. What can you do to control high blood pressure?

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Although you can't change certain risk factors such as age and family health history, you can choose a lifestyle that promotes heart health.

A. Get to and stay at a healthy weightB. Exercise regularlyC. Take the blood pressure medicine prescribed by your doctorD. All of the above

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